Abstract:

This report presents the first qualitative and quantitative findings from the postdoctoral research project on the application of a humanistic, integrative, system-based Congruence Couples Therapy for problem gambling. Qualitative results reveal a history and pattern of
disconnection in the intergenerational, intrapsychic and interpersonal functioning of the subjects. This pattern of disconnection severely limits access to intrapsychic and interpersonal resources
for the gambler’s coping during times of life transition associated with significantly increased stress. Major life transitions and critical events combined with the increased accessibility of
gambling opportunities were significant factors identified to contribute to the onset of gambling. Fantasies and cognitions that motivated gambling bore relationships with disconnected feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and expectations as well as unfulfilled yearnings in the gambling subjects. Couples reported significant improvement on measures of well-being and life satisfaction, couple relationship, and congruence at three points: immediately following treatment, and 1-month and 4-month post-treatment. Gambling subjects reported reduced frequency and intensity
of gambling urges and maintained their abstinence four months after treatment. A systemic hypothesis for the etiology of problem gambling and its corollary in treatment proposed. Implications of these findings are discussed.